Lead: UBC; Colead: UCC, SUA; Other partners: Community Organizations in Tanzania & Ghana.
Background
Understanding the multifaceted socio-economic dimensions of governance structure, land tenure, and fishing in mangroves are key to more equitable mangrove management[34, 35]. Central to these ecosystems is the practice of mangrove fishing, which has been a cornerstone of coastal cultures for generations, providing nutrition, income, and cultural identity to numerous communities along the coasts of Eastern and Western Africa. Climate change-induced sea level rise, intensified storm events, and alterations in precipitation patterns threaten the delicate balance in these unique systems[9]. Changes affect fish habitat and erode the resilience of fishing communities. [36]
Land tenure and governance, a critical aspect of coastal life, often shapes the way communities interact with mangroves. The overlap of customary and statutory land ownership systems can lead to conflicts over resource access, as traditional fishing grounds are increasingly vulnerable to commercial interests, habitat loss and urban development[37]. In addition, governance regimes in such marginal ecosystems are often unclear. Addressing land tenure and governance complexities is essential for ensuring equitable resource distribution and sustainable fishing practices in mangrove ecosystems.
Objectives
Objective 3.1: Assessing the socio-economic dynamics and livelihoods dependent on mangrove fishing;
Objective 3.2: Assessing the relationship between land tenure systems, governance, climate change, and mangrove ecosystems in Ghana and Tanzania.
Outcomes
Outcome 3.1) development of sustainable livelihood strategies for coastal communities in Ghana and Tanzania; and
Outcome 3.2) develop a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing tenure regimes and devolved governance systems that prioritize fairness, equity, and active involvement of local communities, considering their unique cultural, social, and economic contexts.
Outputs
Output 3.1: Creation of an interactive digital tool that maps and visualizes the socio-economic dynamics of mangrove-dependent fishing communities.
Output 3.2: Development of a cross-country comparative framework that maps out the diverse land tenure and governance systems in Ghana and Tanzania, highlighting their historical, legal and cultural underpinnings.
Research methodology and design
Study sites, data and data sources
To effectively assess socio-economic dynamics and livelihoods dependent on mangrove fishing changing over time, the research team will engage four coastal communities in Ghana and Tanzania each will participate in mapping workshops to spatially identify fishing grounds in mangroves, resource-use zones, and vulnerable areas. The research team will use surveys, and focus group discussions, to compile relevant data. We will gather insights on traditional land tenure practices, legislative and governance frameworks on mangrove ecosystems.
Analysis Approach
We will correlate remote sensing data with socio-economic data to identify potential linkages between ecological changes and perceptions of livelihood change. We will utilize a mixedmethods approach to analyze the impacts of mangrove degradation and changing fishery dynamics on local livelihoods, and food security. The research team will utilize GIS technology to spatially map fishing grounds, landing sites, community infrastructure, and other relevant geographic features. We will integrate data layers to create a dynamic visual representation of the relationships between socio-economic variables and geographic locations. The research team will design a user-friendly interface for the interactive digital tool.
References
- Ward, R.D., et al., Impacts of climate change on mangrove ecosystems: a region by region overview.Ecosystem Health and Sustainability 2016. 2(4).
- Richards, D.R. and D.A. Friess, Rates and drivers of mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia, 2000-2012. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2016. 113(2): p. 344- 349.35.
- Worthington, T.A., et al., Harnessing Big Data to Support the Conservation and Rehabilitation of Mangrove Forests Globally (vol 2, pg 429, 2020). One Earth, 2020. 3(2): p. 260-260.36.
- Friess, D.A., et al., Mangrove Blue Carbon in the Face of Deforestation, Climate Change, and Restoration. Annual Plant Reviews Online, 2020. 3(3): p. 427-456.37.
- Deininger, K., T. Hilhorst, and V. Songwe, Identifying and addressing land governance constraints to support intensification and land market operation: Evidence from 10 African countries. Food Policy, 2014. 48: p. 76- 87.
